In the Indian Army, there has been a long-standing debate regarding the classification of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) as either gazetted or non-gazetted officers. This issue has caused discontent among a large section of Army personnel, leading to calls for rank-parity between JCOs and their civilian counterparts. In this article, we will explore the recent developments and clarifications made by the Army regarding the status of JCOs, shedding light on whether Army JCOs are considered gazetted officers or not.
Understanding the Classification
To grasp the significance of the recent clarifications, it is essential to understand the difference between gazetted and non-gazetted officers. Gazetted officers hold a higher rank and enjoy certain privileges and benefits, including higher pay scales and authority over non-gazetted officers. On the other hand, non-gazetted officers are lower in rank and do not possess the same level of authority and benefits as gazetted officers.
The Army’s Clarification
In July 2011, the Army issued a communication in response to an RTI application, categorizing JCOs as non-gazetted officers. However, this classification was met with widespread outrage among JCOs, who argued that their responsibilities and qualifications warranted them being classified as gazetted officers. Recognizing the mistake made in 2011, the Army headquarters has officially clarified that JCOs are indeed gazetted officers, overturning the previous classification.
Implications of the Clarification
The clarification by the Army has significant implications for over 64,000 JCOs ranked in three categories: Naib Subedar, Subedar, and Subedar Major. By designating JCOs as gazetted officers, they are now entitled to the benefits and privileges that come with this classification. This includes improved pay scales, greater authority, and enhanced status within the Army hierarchy.
The Rank Parity Issue
The clarification regarding the status of JCOs as gazetted officers is part of a broader discussion on rank parity between military officers and their civilian counterparts. The controversy arose when the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a letter in October 2019 equating military officers with civilian officers in terms of rank and pay. This move was met with discontent and protests from the armed forces, who felt that their status and rank were being undermined.
The Need for Resolution
Recognizing the discontent among the armed forces, the MoD formed a three-member committee to re-examine the rank parity issue. The committee, headed by an additional secretary-rank officer, aims to address the concerns raised by the armed forces and resolve the matter once and for all. The committee is studying the issue from various angles to ensure that any decision reached is fair and equitable for all parties involved.
The Role of JCOs in the Indian Army
Junior Commissioned Officers play a crucial role in the Indian Army. They bridge the gap between the officers and the soldiers, providing leadership and guidance to the troops. JCOs are typically promoted from the ranks of non-commissioned officers, based on their experience, skills, and performance. They hold important positions within the Army hierarchy and are responsible for the welfare and discipline of the soldiers under their command.
The clarification by the Army headquarters, classifying JCOs as gazetted officers, brings much-needed clarity to the status of these personnel within the Indian Army. This move has the potential to improve the morale and motivation of JCOs, who play a vital role in the functioning of the armed forces. As the MoD continues to examine the broader issue of rank parity, it is essential that a fair and equitable resolution is reached, taking into account the unique demands and requirements of the military profession. By addressing these concerns, the armed forces can continue to uphold their commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security while ensuring the well-being and satisfaction of their personnel.
4 thoughts on “Is Army JCO a Gazetted Officer?”
At the first place, why such unnecessary discussions and debates in an open forum about a system which is prevalent since our independence. It’s much painful when such a derogatory remarks from a layman is coming as “Chamchagiri” about the JCOs cadre. Certain people are there everywhere in the systems/society willingly doing it however, especially in the uniformed services certain people are forced to do such things.
To become a JCO, one senior NCO has to do undergo so many departmental examinations like other Secretarial Services. The difference here is that even after becoming a JCO he can serve upto: Naib Subedar – 26 years, Subedar – 28 years and Subedar Major – 32 years of service. It means, the JCOs cannot serve upto 60 years of age like any other government servant or even like an officer wearing the same uniform of a JCO. Frankly speaking, Naib Subedar has to leave the service at the age of 46 years, Subedar at 46 years and Subedar Major at the age of just 50 years or earlier. The remaining years are the crucial years of a person to fulfil so many social obligations. Why such disparity and ill treatment with the JCO cadre?
Regarding the reply to a RTI query in 2011, from Army Headquarters in stating that JCOs are not gazetted officers. I would like to mention here that JCOs are not only Gazetted Officer but also a Commissioned Officer like Central Services and NDA/IMA/OTA officers. I openly challenge the signatory of the RTI respondent who signed such communications for an open debate on the same. This move is purely to demean and tarnish the image of JCOs (Naib Subedar, Subedar and Subedar Major) and OR (Havildar, Naik and Lance Naik). One side JCOs and OR have to leave the service 15-20 years before to their counterparts of Central Services and even the officers wearing the same uniforms. Imagine the JCOs are “Chamchas” and hence remove this cadre from the Army, then the OR cadre only will remain there in service to defend the country. It means all OR cadre have to leave Army service at the age of 40 years. What they (OR) will do for the remaining 20 productive years with few certificates issued from Army, which is not at all affiliated with any universities and hence no official status for civil service.
Furthermore, on successful completion of the departmental examinations (nor all) Havildars (NCO/Non-Commissioned Officers) The Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, The President of India grants the Command to a JCOs in the form of “Parchament” like other officers. Simultaneously, his (the JCO) name is published in the Gazette Notification stating that so and so (name of the NCO with Army No) is a Gazetted Officer with effective dates.
The Gazette Notification specifically mentions: –
The Gazette of India Extraordinary Part I, Section 1, Published by Authority Ministry of Defence Notification.
Heading : Promotion of Havildar to Junior Commissioned Officer
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 18 of the Army Act, 1950 (46 of 1950) the Central Government hereby promotes the following Havildar to the ranks of Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the Indian Army, with effect from the date of issue of this Notification.
Name and other service details, including Service No is mentioned here.
Authority : This notification is issued with the concurrence of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
BY ORDER AND IN THE NAME OF THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA
In such circumstances, how come an officer can reply to an RTI query stating that a JCO is not a Gazetted Officer rank. Please share his name so that I can drag him to the honourable court.
Furthermore, how come all rules and regulations were ignored and issued such an insulting letter issued from the very Army Headquarters for an RTI query in 2011.
Furthermore, why Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a letter in Oct 2019 equating ONLY military officers with Civilian Officers in terms of rank and pay. Why JCOs, the departmental promotees, were set aside in equating Civil Departmental promoted officers with their rank and pay. Five years elapsed then, there is no further updates on this as the JCOs of Indian Army is not fighting for their own benefits but for the national interest. An immediate clarification on the above and equation with their counterparts in terms of rank and pay is needed. Please initiate an open debate on such nefariousness which is affecting the 96% of the Army personnel.
You can contact me for further information on this matter.
I think you punished by JCO
In my opinion, JCO rank should be remove from IA, there is not any rank of this type in other countries. These ranks were only made by british rule for their chamchagiri.
And IA officers are are asking for their similarity as per civil authorities ande they are only 12 pass, 🤣🤣🤣
You think that a BA Pass IAS is not doing Chamchagiri of MLAs? Well, unlike corrupt civilian officers, JCOs are the guiding force for their Jawans. You civilains only judge a man with his salary but we judge a man with his valour and readiness to sacrifice for the nation.